Myanmar: Interview on the current situation

Four years have passed since a military junta put himself in power in Myanmar and triggered a civil war. In the interview, Thayet reports (name for protection changed), which is active in the project work by Terre des Hommes in Myanmar and especially along the border with Thailand, about current developments and hopes for people in the country.

Thayet, The "People Will Win". You told us that last year, with firm conviction: the coup government has no future, despite military superiority, prison and torture. Where do you get this certainty from?

What we have experienced in recent years differs from previous revolutions in Myanmar: almost 100 percent of the civilian population are affected or involved in one way or another. The support from abroad is also greater overall.

It is obvious that many ethnic armed groups and the People's Defense Force can successfully resist the military. Both now control more than 100 cities. They are already building government and administrative structures there, for example in the Kachin, in the Karenni and Karen state.
 

The Junta seems to be increasingly repressive and brutal. Nevertheless, you slip the control. How?

In many places, the management of the Junta has collapsed. She also cannot control the flow of information: In more than 80 cities, she tried to cut off telephone and internet services and enforce large-scale internet locks. But people use satellite -based Internet, which has become a kind of security net for communication.

Overall, the media and social media play an important role in this war. News spread quickly, which often helps the civilian population. Many human rights organizations also collect data about violations of the law - illegal attacks and killings, arbitrary detention, unfair legal proceedings. You will try to bring the military leaders to international criminal courts.
 

What role does the international community play?

The pressure of the international community, including sanctions, is extremely important. Targeted sanctions are a crucial mechanism to stop the flow of funds, weapons, equipment, technology and kerosene - to proceed against those responsible, to stop corruption and human rights violations.

The biggest threat to people in Myanmar are air strikes of the military junta. Many civil society organizations are trying to do something, in cooperation with the international community. Hopefully there will be success in 2025.

It is equally important to provide and coordinate humanitarian aid - also with neighboring countries. Primarily for the millions of displaced persons, the injured and victims of violence.
 

What can organizations like Terre des Hommes contribute to this? And how can the partner organizations of Terre des Hommes in Myanmar and Thailand help?

There are many ways: for example, there is use for a cross -border, humanitarian aid program of the Thai government for refugees and displaced persons. Political use at the international level is also important.

Above all, you can help on site, even if this is associated with dangers for us and our organizations. Many of Terre des Hommes' partner organizations in Myanmar bring vital help such as food, medication and hygiene. Or they support with psychosocial help and, as far as possible, with lessons for the children.

They also try to secure and strengthen the protection of the civilian population, especially in the sphere of influence of ethnic armed organizations. And they are currently expanding humanitarian aid in cooperation with the elected exile government and the regional, federal levels. These include in particular the interim executive council of the Karenni state and other MPs elected in 2020. In the sometimes self -managed areas, it is now important to enable a peaceful transition so that the population gets systematic administration and vital services again.

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Declaration of term:

• People's Defense Force (PDF): Armed units that fight Myanmar in the name of the democratically elected exile government.
• Ethnic armed groups (Ethnic Armed Organizations - EAOS): militias that usually fight in the name of a specific ethnic group. The vast majority are allies of the exile government against the military junta.
   

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